1998 Volkswagen Jetta problems

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The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car/small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen since 1979. Positioned to fill a sedan niche above the firm's Golf hatchback, it has been marketed over seven generations, variously as the Atlantic, Vento, Bora, City Jetta, Jetta City, GLI, Jetta, Clasico, and Sagitar (in China).

The Jetta has been offered in two- and four-door saloon / sedan, and five-door wagon / estate versions – all as four- or five-seaters. Since the original version in 1980, the car has grown in size and power with each generation. By mid-2011, almost 10 million Jettas have been produced and sold all over the world. As of April 2014, Volkswagen marketed over 14 million, becoming its top selling model.

Nameplate etymology

Numerous sources note that the Jetta nameplate derives from the Atlantic 'jet stream' during a period when Volkswagen named its vehicles after prominent winds and currents (e.g., the Volkswagen Passat (after the German word for trade wind), Volkswagen Bora (after bora), and Volkswagen Scirocco (after sirocco).

A 2013 report by former VW advertising copywriter Bertel Schmitt, said that — after consulting VW sources including Dr. Carl Hahn, former Volkswagen of America Chief and W.P. Schmidt, former sales chief at Volkswagen — no evidence suggested Volkswagen employed a naming theme for its front-drive, water-cooled vehicles; nor was there evidence the names derived from a theme; nor that a naming system "was ever announced, either officially or confidentially."

1998 Volkswagen Jetta

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Common 1998 Volkswagen Jetta problems

The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. One of the most common issues is related to the fuel system, specifically the fuel relays not kicking in when the car is warm after turning off. This problem can also cause the glow plug and diesel particulate filter (DPF) lights not to light up on the dashboard. This issue can be frustrating for owners, as it may require a visit to a mechanic or dealership for diagnosis and repair.

Another common problem reported by owners of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta is related to the engine starting. Some owners have reported difficulty starting the car, with the engine turning over but not starting. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty starter motor or a weak battery. In some cases, the problem may be resolved by replacing the battery or starter motor, but in other cases, the issue may be more complex and require further diagnosis.

The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta has also been reported to have issues with the transmission. Some owners have reported shifting problems, particularly in high-mileage automatic transmissions. These problems can include difficulty shifting, slipping, or hesitation during acceleration. In some cases, these issues may be resolved by replacing the transmission fluid or other related components, but in other cases, more extensive repairs or replacement may be necessary.

In addition to these issues, the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta has been reported to have problems with the engine, including issues with the timing chain, innercooler, and manifold. These issues can lead to decreased performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. Regular maintenance and replacement of these components can help to prevent these issues, but in some cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary.

Finally, the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta has been reported to have issues with the electrical system, including problems with the key and ignition system. Some owners have reported difficulty starting the car due to issues with the key or ignition system. In some cases, these issues may be resolved by replacing the key or ignition switch, but in other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary.

In conclusion, the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues can include problems with the fuel system, engine starting, transmission, engine, and electrical system. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help to prevent these issues, but in some cases, more extensive repairs or replacement may be necessary.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta engine

What is a common problem in Volkswagen Jetta?

Automatic gearbox problems

It has been known for the automatic gearboxes on these cars to suffer with different problems. One of the most common problems is for the gears struggling to change, which could be caused by problems with the gear linkage. Does this video below sound anything like your problem?

Are Volkswagen Jettas reliable cars?

The Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $609 which means it has average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Jetta is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.

What year of VW Jetta is the best?

Most Reliable Years For The Volkswagen Jetta

  • 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
  • 2017 Volkswagen Jetta.
  • 2020 Volkswagen Jetta.

Are Jettas high maintenance?

The 2021 Jetta ranks for lowest cost of maintenance compared to other compact sedans. The 2021 Passat and Arteon have lower maintenance costs than similar midsize sedans by Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport has the lowest maintenance costs of the midsize SUV category.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Jetta problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Visibility problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Tires problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Volkswagen Jetta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1998 Volkswagen Jetta

The NHTSA has received 204 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles.

2023-09-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
  • VIN: 3VWPA81H9WM
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Airbag Warning Light On
2017-11-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-10-31
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THE VEHICLES' ANTI THEFT HAD WENT HAYWIRE. WENT TO START, BEEP SOUND WENT OFF. THEN WAS LOCKED INSIDE CAR. WITH THE ALARM GOING OFF. WAS ONLY ABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE BY HAVING PASSERBY UNHOOK BATTERY, WHILE I HELD THE UNLOCK BUTTON. THIS WAS OVER 2 WEEKS AGO. WHEN HOOKING BATTERY BACK UP, THE ALARM STILL GOES OFF. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE. THE BATTERY WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE. NOTHING HAS BEEN ADDED TO VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE TO HOW THIS MATTER WILL BE RESOLVED & IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM.
2016-05-24

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-04-15
  • VIN: 3VWPA81H2WM
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TO YO PROXIES FOUR INNER IM ASSUMING TIRE BANDS? FAILED CAUSING A BULGE ON THE INER PART OF MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. NEVER STRUCK ANY OBJECT I WAS JUST DRIVING AND STARTED TO NOTICE A WOBBLE I THOUGHT IT WAS A FRONT END ISSUE SO DIDN'T CHECK TIRE BUT HAD FRONT END LOOKED AT AND TIRE STILL WASN'T NOTICED BECAUSE OF THE PLACEMENT OF FAILURE WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOWEVER NOW IS VERY APPARENT. HAD TO REPLACE FRONT SHOCKS ON 98 VW JETTA AS WELL AS FRONT END BUSHINGS AND PASSENGER A ARM
2013-05-13

SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-05-08
  • Components: SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: LATE IN APRIL, 2013 I INSTALLED A PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM ON A 1998 VW JETTA TDI. THE CONTROL ARM WAS PURCHASED FROM AUTOZONE ( THEIR PART # 520-782) AS AN ASSEMBLY WITH THE BALL JOINT INSTALLED. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THEN WHILE DRIVING IT BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. ON EXAMINATION, 2 OF THE 3 BOLTS WHICH HOLD THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM WERE MISSING, AND THE THIRD WAS EASILY REMOVED BY FINGER. WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED ALL 3 WERE IN PLACE. THE ONE BOLT REMAINING DID NOT HAVE ANY LOCKING COMPOUND, NOR DID IT HAVE A MECHANICAL LOCKING DEVICE, SUCH AS A LOCK WASHER OR LOCK NUT. I INSTALLED 3 HARDENED BOLTS WITH LOCKING COMPOUND, AND THE CAR HAS BEEN FINE FOR THE PAST 5 DAYS. IF THE THIRD BOLT HAD FALLEN OUT, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL, AND THE PROBABLE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CRASH. *TR
2012-11-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-07-01
  • VIN: 3VWRA81HXWM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: I HAVE BEEN TRAPPED INSIDE THE FRONT SEAT OF THIS VEHICLE. BOTH FRONT DOORS WILL OCCASIONALLY NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE CAR, EVEN WITH THE DOORS UNLOCKED. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE PROBLEM THAT I FEEL IS QUITE DANGEROUS. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND HAD THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM REPLACED. *TR
2011-02-24

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-06-23
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT RELEASE OUT OF PARK BECAUSE THE BRAKE SENSOR FAILED. EACH TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT HER EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
2011-02-20

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-08-10
  • VIN: 3VWVA81H4WM
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: TOTALLY RUSTED OUT AREA AROUND GAS INTAKE PIPE. VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1998. *TR
2010-12-30

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-17
  • VIN: 3VWSB81H0WM
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE AND SUSTAINED A FLAT TIRE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE AND THE JACK BROKE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE JACK WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WOULD BE THE CONTACTS RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE IT. THE JACK WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
2010-11-24

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-11-01
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: REQUEST FOR COMPLETE CONSUMER COPIES RE SAFETY REPORT ON 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. *TGW
2009-12-27

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-11-01
  • VIN: 3VWRB81H2WM
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I OWN A 1998 VW JETTA GL AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION TWICE NOW BECAUSE, I AM TOLD, VW INCREASED THE TORQUE ON JETTAS OF THIS YEAR BY ADDING A 5TH GEAR, WHICH RESULTS IN EXCESSIVE WEAR TO THE REVERSE GEAR AND RESULTS IN SEVERAL REVERSE GEAR TEETH CHIPPING, THUS RENDERING REVERSE INOPERABLE. AS I SAID BEFORE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION TWICE NOW DUE TO THE FAULTY REVERSE GEAR. *TR
2008-11-17

STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-10-20
  • VIN: 3VWRA81H6WM
  • Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM BUSHING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT MADE A NOISE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD WHEN STOPPING. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT WOULD COST NEARLY $500. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING RACK WOULD MAKE A NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE MECHANIC ADDED STEERING FLUID AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL LEAK, WHICH WAS WORSENING. THE ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE LEAK WAS $1,084.84. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000.
2008-05-05

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-06-10
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE WINDOWS IN THE DOORS ARE FALLING DOWN AND NEEDING THE MECHANISM REPLACED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO 3 OF THE DOORS SO FAR. HAS THIS BEEN A PROBLEM-WAS THERE EVER A RECALL FOR THIS-THIS SEEMS LIKE A WEIRD THING TO HAVE HAPPEN. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU CANNOT ROLL THE WINDOW UP OR DOWN, AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR GETTING WET FROM THE WEATHER. THANK YOU. REBECCA *TR
2007-09-26

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-09-26
  • VIN: 3VWSA81H9WM
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: I HAVE 1998 VW JETTA--I PRESENTLY HAVE THREE ELECTRIC WINDOWS WHICH DO NOT GO UP OR DOWN. TWO OF THEM HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT OR NEEDED RECALL. CAUSE OF PROBLEMS IS MOTORS OR REGULATORS. THESE SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY VW. OF ALL THE VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED IN THE PAST 40 YEARS WITH ELECTRIC WINDOWS I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEMS EXCEPT WITH THE VW JETTA. *TR
2007-08-21

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-03-30
  • VIN: 3VWRF81H8WM
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL DISENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING SEPARATED. THEY REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS, SPINDLES, SPEED SENSOR, RING, AND DRUM. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL DISENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. AS OF AUGUST 21, 2007, THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED AND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON PREVIOUS MODELS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,022 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,612.
2006-11-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-05-01
  • VIN: 3VWTD81H0WM
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
  • Summary: LIKE OTHERS, I HAVE HAD THE IGNITION COIL REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, OF COURSE. I HAVE ALSO HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOWS (REGULATOR AND MOTOR) FOR ALL OF THEM. NOW, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLASHING AND THE CAR IS SPUTTERING. I KNOW THE SECONDARY AIR INTAKE VALVE NEEDS REPLACING BUT IT DID NOT CAUSE PROBLEMS. NOW I'M WONDERING IF SOMETHING NEW IS WRONG??? ALSO, I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH LOSING COOLANT AND HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY REPLACE ANTIFREEZE. AFTER FIXING WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A SMALL LEAK THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WILL NOT PRODUCE COOL AIR! THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND VW SHOULD LOOK INTO ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS. *JB
2006-11-22

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-02-14
  • VIN: 3VWPA81H4XM
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: I BOUGHT A USED 1998 VW JETTA FOR MY DAUGHTER. GOOD CAR FUN TO DRIVE BUT ONE DAY AS SHE WAS DRIVING THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. MOST RECENTLY DURING THE SUMMER THE DRIVER'S FRONT WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. ALL OF THESE INCIDENTS COULD STARTLE A DRIVER OR SHATTER THE WINDOW. CURRENTLY SHE HAS THE WINDOW TAPED UP ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND IT HINDERS HER VISIBILITY. VW SAID IT WOULD COST $485 PER DOOR!!!! YOU KNOW THE DRIVER'S REAR DOOR WILL GO SOON AND IT JUST DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO INVEST ANOTHER CLOSE TO $2000 JUST TO KEEP THE WINDOWS UP! THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT WHEN I CALLED VW THEY THANKED ME FOR BEING A LOYAL VW CUSTOMER AND ASKED ME IF I NAME MY CARS...VW KNOWS THAT THE PLASTIC BOTTOM ON THE REGULATOR FAILS AND THEY REPLACE THEM WITH METAL ONES. THEY SHOULD DO THIS FOR EVERYONE THAT HAS THESE CARS. I BELIEVE IN 2001 THE REGULATORS WITH METAL BOTTOMS ARE OEM. *NM
2006-07-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-02-03
  • VIN: 3VWRF81H0XM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: GLOW PLUG CONTROL UNIT FAILS ON 1998 VW JETTA TDI, BUT THERE IS NO PART FOR THE LAST 5+ MONTHS AVAILABLE FROM VOLKSWAGEN. ALSO, THERE IS NO ESTIMATE OF WHEN VOLKSWAGEN WILL HAVE A PART AVAILABLE. THIS IS NATIONWIDE. THE CONTROL UNIT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE STARTING OF THE CAR. *NM
2006-06-19

SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-06-11
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 3VWRF8186WM
  • Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CROSSED THE HIGHWAY AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR BODY DAMAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM; HOWEVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY, BRAKES, RIM AND TIRE WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.*AK UPDATED 7/13/2006 - THE BEARING ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND WORN. *NM
2006-04-04

VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-04-04
  • VIN: 3VWTD81HXWM
  • Components: VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: I PURCHASED A USED 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX SEVERAL YEARS AGO. WITHIN A YEAR OF PURCHASE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO OPPERATE PROPERLY. I HAD THE REGULATOR REPLACED. A YEAR LATER THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FAILED. THAT REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. A YEAR LATER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FAILED AGAIN. BEFORE I COULD GET IT FIXED, THE REAR DIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILED AS WELL. BOTH REGULATORS ARE BEING REPLACED. THE TOTAL COST OF THESE REPAIRS WILL BE OVER $2000. I FIND IT APPALLING THAT THE SAME PROBLEM CAN OCCUR MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE SAME VEHICLE. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR VW VEHICLES AND YET NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO CORRECT IT - BE IT A DESIGN FLAW, MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, ETC. FAILED REGULATORS ARE BOTH A SAFETY AND SECURITY PROBLEM. I HOPE THAT NHTSA TAKES THESE COMPLAINTS SERIOUSLY AND INVESTIGATES THE PROBLEM. *NM
2006-03-06

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-03-03
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: 1998 JETTA GLX. ANOTHER WINDOW REGULATOR DEFAULT. I'M ORIGINAL OWNER, THIRD TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. BACK PASSENGER WINDOW TWICE, NO ONE EVER SITS BACK THERE AND THE WINDOW IS HARDLY EVER USED. SAT. DRIVER'S WINDOW, KER-PLUNK. REALLY ANNOYING, WINDOW DOWN AND IT'S RAINING. HAD TO TAPE THE OPENING CLOSED. I'M PAYING FOR THE REPAIR, I KNOW VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT. BETWEEN THIS ISSUE AND THE BODY MOLDING CONSTANTLY FALLING OFF, I DOUBT I'LL BUY ANOTHER VW.*JB
2005-09-07

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-08-18
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: IT WAS RAINING. MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ON. WHITE SMOKE CAME UP FROM MY STEERING COLUMN FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. WHAT MAKES THIS PARTICULARLY FRUSTRATING, THIS HAPPENED ON A 94 JETTA I ONCE OWNED. THIS HAPPENED ON A 96 JETTA MY SISTER OWNED. EVENTUALLY, SOMETHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN BURNED OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. WE BOTH PAID FOR THOSE TO BE REPLACED. NOW, YEARS LATER, I AM FACED WITH ANOTHER BURNING STEERING COLUMN. I HOPE TO FIND THAT VW IS OWNING UP TO POOR DESIGN, AND WHEN THIS ONE FINALLY BREAKS, THAT THEY FOOT THE BILL FOR THEIR FAILURE. REFERRED TO THIS SITE BY THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.SPORTCOMPACTRACING.COM/VBULLETIN/PRINTTHREAD.PHP?T=36741 I DID A QUICK YAHOO SEARCH TO FIND THAT THIS WAS NOT A JINX THAT HIT JUST MY FAMILY. *NM
2005-08-26

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-08-26
  • VIN: 3VWSA81H5WM
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: I HAVE A 1998 VW JETTA GLS. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED A WINDOW REGULATOR AT A COST OF $450, NOW THE REMAINING 3 HAVE FAILED WITHIN A WEEK. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH VW AND VW HAS ACKNOWLEDGED IT WITH SERVICE BULLETINS,ETC. VW USA CUSTOMER CARE HAS REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR. *JB
2005-08-05

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-08-04
  • VIN: 3VWTD81H2WM
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY SAME VEHICLE, ALL HAPPENED THE SAME WAY. EACH TIME A DIFFERENT WINDOW. THE POWER WINDOW BUTTON WILL START MAKING NOISE WHEN YOU RAISE/LOWER THE WINDOW, THEN THE WINDOW WILL ONLY CLOSE HALF WAY. IF YOU PRESS THE POWER WINDOW BUTTON AGAIN THE WINDOW WILL DROP INTO THE DOOR. IN THE PAST IT HAPPENED TO MY 2 BACK PASSENGER WINDOWS. EACH TIME VW TOLD ME IT WAS THE WINDOW REGULATOR AND IT COST ABOUT $350 TO FIX IT. SINCE THEY ARE BACK PASSENGER WINDOWS THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY COULD JUST PROP THE WINDOW UP WITH A PIECE OF WOOD MUCH CHEAPER. TODAY THE EXACT SAME SEQUENCE OF EVENTS HAPPENED TO MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW, SINCE ITS A DRIVER WINDOW I MOST LIKELY WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT THE $350 TO REPLACE THE FAULTY REGULATOR. LOOKING AT WWW.MYVWLEMON.COM I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH ALL MAKES OF VW YET VW ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FAULTY PART.*JB
2005-07-21

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-01
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: I HAVE HAD THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR REPLACED/REPAIRED TWICE BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. THEN I REPLACED IT MYSELF ONCE, AS THE REPAIR COSTS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE. THEN IT BROKE AGAIN AND I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO FIX IT, SO I SIMPLY AVOID ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE REGULATOR IS NOW ACTING UP. I'M AFRAID TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOWS AS THEY MAY NOT ROLL BACK UP.
2005-07-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-07-04
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 1. DRIVING 2. LIGHTS WENT OUT, FAN WENT OUT AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING.

1998 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta.

2009-04-07
  • Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
  • Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
2003-04-23
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
  • Consequence: UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A RISK FOR A CRASH.
  • Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
2002-01-25
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
  • Summary: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Negative 1998 Volkswagen Jetta car reviews

  1. Toby McCullough 2024-09-22

    After owning my trusty 89 Accord for a decade, I decided it was time to explore other options as the Honda body design started to look a bit outdated. I was drawn to the stylish look of the VW and decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, within just three months, I experienced some transmission issues and had to take it to the dealer. Despite some initial resistance, they eventually covered it under the bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, a year later, I had to replace the cracked ignition coil, which was also not covered under warranty. Now, I am facing issues with either the bearing, the tension pulley for the timing belt, or the AC compressor. I never had these problems with my Accord, so it has been a bit of a headache. Overall, I am not sure if the VW was worth the trouble.

  2. Rodrigo Beier 2024-09-01

    Although this car has had some issues, I have gained valuable experience from my four year lease. The electrical system did short out after the one year anniversary, but I was able to get it fixed and continue to use the car. I did have some trouble with the dashboard and stereo, but I was able to find solutions to these problems. While the wheel covers did go missing, I was able to replace them without too much trouble. The exhaust system did fall out, but I was able to get it replaced and the car is running smoothly again. Although I did not get the gas mileage I was hoping for, I have learned to be more mindful of my driving habits. Overall, I have gained a lot of knowledge from my experience with this car and will use it to make more informed decisions in the future.

  3. Brett Mueller 2024-08-24

    This car has had numerous issues, including automatic transmission problems, rear brake problems, power window problems, remote alarm problems, alternator failure at 30K, and exhaust down-pipe breaking twice. As a long-time VW owner, I am extremely disappointed in the reliability of this brand new car. Unfortunately, this will be my last VW purchase.

  4. Webster Lubowitz 2024-08-03

    I've owned my Jetta for about a year now. When I got it, it had 137k miles on it, so I replaced the struts, pads, and belts, cleaned the rotors, and got a new exhaust. Given the age and mileage of the car, these repairs were to be expected. I now have over 160k miles on it and I'm currently replacing the clutch and motor mounts. Despite this, the car has never left me stranded and always starts up smoothly. It's great in the snow and can even keep up with stock Civics. With modifications, it can even compete with fast cars. It's relatively cheap to fix if you're able to do it yourself. The car has a good amount of torque for carrying hills, but not so much top end for speeding tickets. If you're looking for a decent-looking car with a nice interior and a decent 4-cylinder engine, this is the car for you.

  5. Maxine Howell 2024-08-01

    You're in for a treat with this car! It's extremely reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. The design is nice both inside and out, and it feels like a more expensive car than it actually is. While it may lack a bit of power and be a bit sluggish on take-off, it's still a great ride. There are some small issues that can become annoying, such as moldings coming loose, door handles sticking, and the antennae needing to be tightened. It's worth noting that a previously owned 92 Wolfsburg Jetta had none of these problems.

Positive 1998 Volkswagen Jetta car reviews

  1. Brooks Rolfson 2025-01-08

    I drive this car all over the Tri-state area on a daily basis and it has never left me stranded. As long as you keep up with the maintenance, it's good to go! Repairs are also easy to do, most of which I can handle in my driveway. And let's be honest, what else would you expect from a People's car?

  2. Claude Ernser 2024-11-22

    I have owned this car for almost 5 years and it hasn't let me down yet. It runs very smoothly and quietly, with quick acceleration. The only issues I have had are the usual VW problems - window regulator failure and loose door molding. Fortunately, no major mechanical work has been needed, and my car has 75,000 miles on it! It continues to run strong.

  3. Coleman Durgan 2024-10-01

    This is a fantastic little car that is extremely fun to drive. The exterior styling is great, with GT upgrades such as tinted rear lights, a spoiler, and silver racing dials on the alloys. It's also a very safe car - I've been in two head-on collisions at speeds over 60 km/hr and walked away with just a few bruises. The car performs well on the highway and has fabulous fuel efficiency.

  4. Lloyd Baumbach 2024-08-29

    This is the fourth Jetta in our family. I have found it to be more reliable than my parents' 2000 Jetta GLS. Although the engine is not very powerful, once you rev it up, it springs to life. If you haven't driven a Jetta before, I highly recommend it! For those who may disagree, I respect your opinion, but I personally love my VW. I have owned two Porsches (911 & 928), a 328i BMW, and this Jetta, but I choose to drive my Jetta daily and it always puts a smile on my face! :)

  5. Don Hegmann 2024-08-21

    I'm glad to hear that the rumble has started all 4 Minnesota winters! However, it seems that carbon buildup in the intake is a common issue around 90k. Have you considered any solutions for this?

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